Celebration begins with worship followed by a potluck lunch. Meat and drinks provided; bring a side dish or dessert to pass. Children's games and an 1860s hymn sing after lunch. Period costumes are welcome.

DeKALB

Toddler Time

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 12

Place: DeKalb Public Library

More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org

Stories, rhymes and more for preschool-age children. No registration required.

Bible Study Fellowship Introduction Session

Time: 9 – 10:50 a.m.

Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 12 and 19

Place: Evangelical Free Church of Sycamore/DeKalb, 150 Bethany Road

More information: 815-899-9228 or tgruner2@comcast.net

Introduction to a weekly day class for women studying the book of Genesis. The class includes a program for children from birth to kindergarten.

Stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English. No signup required.

Progressive Retirement Facility Tour

Time: 2 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 13

Place: Tours depart from Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: 815-756-8444

Limited bus seating available. Choose from Itinerary A – Bethany Health Care, Grand Victorian and Lincolnshire Place – or Itinerary B – Heritage Woods, DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Home, Pine Acres and Barb City Manor. A vendor fair will be held in the Roberts Conference Center at the hospital after the tours, from 4:45 to 7 p.m.

Award-winning bestselling author Beverly Lewis and bestselling author Lynn Austin will sign their new books and discuss their work. Books will be available for purchase. No registration required.

Artists' Reception

Time: 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 13

Place: Northern Illinois University Art Museum, Altgeld Hall

A reception for the Southeast Asian Exhibition Suite, on exhibit until Nov. 17.

Crochet Club Kickoff

Time: 5 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 13

Place: DeKalb Public Library

More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 265 or emilyg@dkpl.org

The first meeting of a new club for crocheters and knitters. Bring your own supplies. A basic crochet how-to booklet will be provided. No signup necessary. This first meeting will gauge the experience levels of interested people and help beginners get started.

A series of vignettes taking place in the same dining room of a well-to-do household. Actors portray a range of roles as the scenes dovetail into a production of exceptional range, compassionate humor and abundant humanity.

Computer Help Lab

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Date: Friday, Sept. 14

Place: DeKalb Public Library

Free, walk-in lab for help with computer questions. No signup required.

Gallery Viewing

Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

Dates: Sept. 14 and 21

Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.

About 40 original works from the center's permanent art collection are on display.

An Irish-American band that has opened for Gaelic Storm and The Moody Blues, Switchback's sound has been described as American roots with a Celtic soul. This concert is a fundraiser for the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County. Voter registration will be available at the theater during and after the concert.

NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Sept. 16

Place: Huskie Stadium

More information: www.kishymca.org

For boys and girls ages 6-15. Free for everyone. Register online, at the YMCA front desk or at the event.

Discuss the possibility of quitting and get answers to your questions about quitting options. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date. Bring a friend.

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 18

Place: Neptune Hall, 800 Lucinda Ave.

Diabetes Get Together

Time: 6 – 7 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 18

Place: Kish Hospital

More information: 815-748-8378 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

All people with diabetes, their family and friends are welcome to share their experiences. No registration required.

Toe Joint Replacement

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 18

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Do you have joint pain in your big toe? Joint replacement is no longer limited to large joints like knees, hips and shoulders. Dr. Tina Starkweather, DPM, will explain how arthritis affects toes and other causes of toe pain, plus treatment options. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Using a creative mix of dramatic re-enactments, presentation of the facts and audience discussion/participation, members of the Alexian Brothers Parish Services will perform a 90-minute presentation on mental health and how to talk about it with both friends and strangers.

'Going to the Dogs' Workshop

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19

Place: Haish Gym

More information: 815-756-8560

Learn what the DeKalb Park District dog programs have to offer. Do not bring dogs to the workshop. Children preparing for a 4-H project on dogs can use this workshop for their records. Rescue groups will be on hand with information on adoptable dogs. There will be raffle drawings for dog treats, toys and training materials.

Government funding expert Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, will discuss Illinois’ pension and funding crisis.

Blood Drive

Time: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 20

Place: Northern Rehabilitation, 232 W. Lincoln Highway

Chronic Kidney Disease: A Silent Disease

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 20

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.com/programs

Nephrologists James Stim and Bindu Pavithran discuss risk factors, diagnosis and strategies for prevention and treatment of kidney disease. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Place: Frank Van Buer Plaza, corner of Locust and North Second streets

More information: 815-756-3202 or www.dekalbcountywheelathon.stayclassy.org

Walk, skate, wheel, scoot, run, stroll or bike in this disability awareness event to raise money for the RAMP Center for Independent Living. Lunch and awards will be given after the event.

Ride Like An Egyptian

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 22

Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Cost: Adults, $25; children 15 and younger, $5

More information: www.egyptiantheatre.org

Riders can select a 25, 50, 75 or 100-mile route. Central rest stop with technical support in Maple Park. Free end-of-ride meal for participants; non-participating family and friends can eat for $5. Children younger than 16 must ride with an adult.

'A Christmas Carol' Auditions

Time: 2 – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 – 9 p.m. Monday

Dates: Sept. 22 – 24

Place: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road

More information: www.stagecoachers.com

Audition for Stage Coach Players' production of "A Christmas Carol," which will be performed Dec. 6-9. Needed are 30 men and 17 women in their late teens and older and a number of boys and girls 6 and older for speaking and nonspeaking parts, as well as eight to 12 carolers. Actors will read cold from the script, and carolers will sing the first verse of "Silent Night" and sight read a piece from the show.

Mathew Tembo's World Music Celebration

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 22

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Cost: $6; students, $3

Bands will perform music from around the world. Zambian musician Tembo will be joined by the NIU Afropop Ensemble, the NIU Chinese Music Ensemble, the NIU Middle Eastern Music Ensemble, the NIU Steel Band, the Wacky Keys and more. There will be an art sale and a henna tattoo artist at the show.

Blacksmith Demonstrations

Time: Noon – 4 p.m.

Dates: Sept. 23; Oct. 14 and 28

Place: Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway

Cost: Adults $4, children 13 and younger free

More information: info@gliddenhomestead.org

Blacksmith demonstrations and tours of the homestead.

Girls Only ... Your Changing Body

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Monday, Sept. 24

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

Cost: $10 per family

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

For girls 9 to 12 and an adult female relative. The natural changes a young girl experiences can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can lessen anxiety and make the transition smoother. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Look Good ... Feel Better

Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

Date: Monday, Sept. 24

Place: The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: 815-748-2958 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

This free program teaches women and girls actively undergoing cancer treatment beauty techniques to combat the appearance-related side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. All participants receive a free cosmetics kit. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

'What is Chemo Brain?'

Time: Noon – 1 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 25

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

"Chemo brain" can include forgetfulness, decreased focus and difficulty with finding words and multitasking. Oncologist M. Ishaqe Memon, MD, discusses what causes chemo brain, how to treat it and myths surrounding it. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Whether your levels are high or normal, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce or maintain healthy cholesterol. If you have your cholesterol results, bring them. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary Drive-Up Pork Dinner

Time: 4 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26

Place: 3M parking lot, corner of Peace and Barber Greene roads

Cost: $10; tickets available from club members, at Inboden's in DeKalb, by email at kishsunriserotary@gmail.com and by phone at 815-757-8151

The meal will be prepared by Inboden's, which is roasting a pig on site. Each meal includes pulled pork, a biscuit, coleslaw, baked beans and double baked potato salad. Proceeds benefit the Rotary's scholarships for DeKalb and Sycamore high school students and DeKalb County Forest Preserve restoration projects.

'Fire in the Ashes: The Deepening Crisis in Our Public Schools'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26

Place: DeKalb High School auditorium

Author and social justice activist Jonathan Kozol will speak.

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Wednesdays; next, Sept. 12

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.

Free seminar on strengthening marriages. The public is invited, and you do not have to belong to a church to attend. Free dinner and childcare. RSVP by phone.

Hymn Sing

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, Sept. 16

Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Sept. 18

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Pork Chop Sandwich Dinner

Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 26

Place: Genoa Masonic Lodge, 130 Route 23, behind McDonalds

Cost: $8

More information: 815-784-3744

This dinner by the Genoa Masonic Lodge and the Genoa-Kingston High School Cheerleading Squad includes one pork chop sandwich, coleslaw, baked beans and applesauce. Proceeds benefit the cheer squad and Masonic charities. Buy advance tickets from cheerleaders, Masons or at Embroidery Sew Into It, 201 W. Main St.

Open to pilot and nonpilots alike. Pilots are welcome to fly in, nonpilots can come for breakfast and to see the variety of planes. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage and eggs cooked to order. Proceeds benefit programs through the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 241.

KINGSTON

Kickoff Weekend

Time: Noon – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 15

Place: Kingston United Methodist Church, 121 W. First St.

Kick off the new Sunday school year with a free event Saturday for all families. Games, prizes, food and information on Sunday school and youth group. Sunday school begins at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, for children ages 4 through high school seniors.

Kelly Miller Circus

Time: 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 18

Place: Kingston Township Park

Tickets: In advance, adults $10, children $6; at the door, adults $15, children $7

Circus includes a flying trapeze, elephants, tigers, horses, clowns and stars from all over the world. Buy tickets from: Browns' County Market in Genoa, Citizens Bank in Genoa or Five Points Pub in Kingston. Proceeds benefit G-K Fine Arts Boosters.

KIRKLAND

Kirkland Fire Dance and Fundraiser

Time: 8 p.m. – midnight

Date: Saturday, Sept. 15

Place: 3891 State Route 72

Cost: $5 in advance, $7.50 at the door

Fundraiser dance for the fire department. Brian Lavender and Whiskey Bent will perform.

Homecoming Parade

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 19

More information: 815-522-6676

SHABBONA

Muskie Open

Time: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 15

Place: Shabbona Lake State Park

More information: 815-824-2581 or www.shabbonalake.com

Longest muskie wins a $100 Cabela's gift card. No entry fee or registration required. Donate $5 to the walleye restocking fund before fishing and double your prize if you win.

Dr. Michael Haji-Sheikh of Northern Illinois University will discuss how scientists are working increase the strength of both everyday and exotic materials. An informal discussion is followed by questions and thoughts from those in attendance. Food is available for purchase from the restaurant.

Bloomin' Bulbs

Time: 7 p.m.

Dates: Sept. 13

Place: University of Illinois Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive

More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/

Flowering bulbs planted in autumn add cheer to gardens mid-winter through summer and are easy to grow. Learn about plant selection, planting, care and how to keep them coming back year after year.

Film lovers from around the Midwest will gather to watch more than 30 independent films over the three-day festival. Filmmakers of the documentaries, features and shorts will come from around the world to engage with the audience after each screening and at the festival’s Opening Night Bash and Award Celebration parties. Special guests include Tony Award winning writers, Academy Award winning filmmakers and current national film festival winners.

Jumpin' Out Friday

Time: 5 – 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, Sept. 14

Place: Cornerstone Christian Academy, 355 N. Cross St.

Cost: $15 per child

More information: 815-895-8522 or jladas@cornerstonechristianacademy.com

For children ages 3 to 12. Cost includes one large slice of pizza, a juice box and four hours of supervised play in an assortment of inflatable moon bounces and obstacle courses. Parents can stay at no additional cost or can sign in their children and out. Discounts are available for families with three or more children. Jumpers should wear comfortable clothes, no denim and must wear socks. Proceeds benefit Cornerstone's sports boosters.

More information or to register: www.huckleberryspetparlor.com or Huckleberry's Pet Parlor, 423 N. Main St.

Events for dogs include a luau parade of dogs dressed in Hawaiian style or beach gear; a canine hula hoop contest; a canine limbo contest; a shell game and a "Mutt-aritaville" canine cocktail party. Contestants will receive raffle tickets for each event they enter.

Carter had hydrocephalus, and in his one year of life had multiple surgeries and hospitalizations. He made amazing strides and brought joy to all who knew him. He passed away less than a week after his first birthday. At the time of his death, his parents were still paying hospital bills from his first few weeks of life. Because spaghetti was one of Carter's favorite foods, the fundraiser will include a spaghetti dinner with a silent auction. Proceeds will help pay his medical expenses.

Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Date: Friday, Sept. 21

Place: Paw Lickin' Good, 2684 DeKalb Ave.

More information: 877-475-7729

Appointments required. Cash or credit only. Discounted vaccines for rabies, distemper combos, bordetella, Lyme, Lepto, heartworm, FVRCP and Felv, plus microchipping, Felv/Fiv testing and fecal testng. No exam fee. Vaccines range from $15 to $65, depending on service. No residency or income restrictions. Those receiving food stamps or on SSDI can also get pets spayed or neutered for $15.